Ashley Gerrard, 29, of Bruce Street, St Helens, pulled the gun – which turned out to be an imitation firearm – during the incident in Ribbleton.

Preston Police had chased Gerrard’s car, a Ford Focus, from reports of a domestic assault at Mill Lane in Coppull.

As it arrived at an address in Ribbleton Avenue on December 22, Gerrard got out of the car.

Officers went to apprehend him and the 8mm black and silver imitation handgun was pulled on police.

Quick-thinking police officers tackled Gerrard and then pushed him into the back garden of the property where he clings to a gate.

Gerrard pulls the gun again but one officer tackles him to the ground and others pile in to restrain him.

Detective Sgt Mark Riley of Preston Police said: “These officers showed incredible bravery in detaining this man after having a firearm pointed at them and it was fortunate that no-one was seriously hurt.

“This incident just goes to show the sort of things that officers are faced with every day of their working lives.”

Ashley Gerrard and the imitation firearm recovered by police

Gerrard pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm, as well as separate charges of assault and dangerous driving.